INC Health & CONSULTING
What is Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
Sleep apnea syndrome is a brief cessation of breathing during sleep. During sleep apnea, one of the sleep disorders, the muscles that keep the upper respiratory tract open are losing, and the root of the tongue, soft palate, or tonsils block the respiratory tract. The patient may not breathe for up to 10 seconds, and the reduction of oxygen level in the blood due to this cessation makes the brain wake up. The patient starts to breathe again with a loud grunt and continues to sleep by snoring. People with sleep apnea syndrome may feel tired and weak the next day because their sleep is often interrupted. Sleep apnea syndrome consists of three different types according to its causes;
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Mixed Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea It is the inability of the centers in the brain to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a short-term respiratory cessation that occurs with loss of function in the airways.
Mixed Sleep Apnea is the coexistence of central and obstructive sleep apnea.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
In individuals with sleep apnea, symptoms, as follows, may be seen;
– Loud snoring
– Short-term respiratory arrest witnessed by someone else
– Sore throat in the morning
– Dry mouth after waking up
– Waking up from sleep without rest
– Tiredness
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Individuals with some or all of the above symptoms should see a specialist physician. With the sleep apnea test called “polysomnography,” brain activity and respiratory events are recorded throughout sleep. In addition, tests such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG), respiratory effort, nasal and mouth airflow recording should also be performed.
How to heal sleep apnea?
Treatment of sleep apnea varies according to the level of the disease. After determining the level of the disease, surgical treatments, lifestyle changes, or positive air pressure treatments are performed. People with sleep apnea should first get rid of their excess weight if it exists. In addition, the use of alcohol and smoking should be stopped. Suppose positive air pressure and lifestyle changes are insufficient. In that case, surgical procedures such as removing adenoids or reducing or completely removing tissues that constrict respiration can also be performed.